Stroudsburg borough officials are offering a reward for anyone who might have information about who damaged one of their shade trees.

A 12-inch section of bark has been removed from the bottom circumference of the tree, which is in front of 539 Scott St., said Stroudsburg Borough Manager Barbara Quarantello.

"It makes it look like a beaver was chewing the bark off the tree, but we think someone used a chainsaw to chip off the bark," she said.

Borough officials must now remove the tree, because the damage will eventually kill it.

Nutrients are passed from the roots to the rest of the tree though its bark, Quarantello said. With a strip of that size removed, the tree won't be able to get the proper nutrients.

Several years ago, a vandal removed a one-inch strip of bark from the circumference of this same tree, she said. Officials never found out who damaged the tree back then.

Borough maintenance workers noticed the most recent damage in the fall while they were doing leaf clean-up.

The damage was reported to police, who have reached out to residents in the area, but so far they haven't come up with any leads, Quarantello said. That's why the borough council decided to offer a reward.

At their Jan. 16 meeting, council members authorized a $300 reward for anyone who comes forward with information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the vandalism. The money will come from the borough's general fund, Quarantello said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 570-421-5444 or email stbgboro@ptd.net